There’s close attention being paid to the Republican governor’s race. The four-way race is the most hotly contested primary in 20 years. Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson has the official party endorsement, and on Tuesday night, we’ll see how much that matters.

Republicans hoping to deny Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton a second term first must settle on a nominee in a primary Tuesday without a runaway favorite. Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson had the party’s endorsement that he hopes will pay off amid an expectedly light turnout.

The candidates pursuing the Republican nomination for Minnesota governor are divided over whose vision for the state would be achievable while presiding over a government split between parties. The notion of what is ideal versus what is practical to promise voters was an undercurrent of Wednesday’s four-way debate on Minnesota Public Radio.

Minnesota Democrats enjoy campaign cash advantages in all races for statewide office as the party seeks to keep its current grip on state government power. The latest batch of fundraising reports was released Tuesday, two weeks ahead of a primary election that will set November matchups.

Republican candidate Scott Honour has put up a round of television ads ahead of next month’s primary election to determine his party’s nominee for governor. Honour adviser Pat Shortridge says the ads are airing statewide on cable television, specifically the Fox News Channel.

Republicans may have already had their nominating convention, but four candidates remain in the race for Minnesota Governor. The four will face off in an Aug. 12 primary that is expected to have a turnout of only 10 percent of eligible voters.

Another Republican in the running for the Minnesota governor’s office has picked a running mate. Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson on Wednesday named former Rochester Rep. Bill Kuisle as his choice for lieutenant governor.

State Sen. Dave Thompson says if he’s elected Minnesota governor he’d bypass old solutions to state problems, seek voucher-like tax credits to enhance school choice and promise to “get out of your way.” Thompson hit the road Wednesday for his opening campaign swing. He’s the fourth Republican in the race, with others still mulling a challenge Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton next year.

The race for governor is getting crowded. Another well-known Republican is throwing his hat in the race. State Senator Dave Thompson confirmed to WCCO’s Pat Kessler that he will file the legal papers necessary on Monday. He will formally announce his candidacy at a gathering on Wednesday.

Democrats in the Minnesota Legislature spent years objecting to Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s tough-guy dealings with lawmakers. If Democrat Mark Dayton emerges as the state’s next governor, they’re hoping he will borrow some of Pawlenty’s […]